choosing between canon and nikon

hi,
i am planning to buy a DSLR.
Initially i had zeroed on Nikon 3000 D.
in the mean time i also came across Canon D1000.
I have used Nikon D60 but never came across a Canon.
Some of my friends say that Canon is better then a Nikon.

So please help me choose as to which is better among the two brands at large.